How many SAE's for a 55g?

[cgcaver]

I know most planted tanks should have some algae eating fauna, and I really have meant to pick some up, but Im seeing a lot of green splotches on my rocks lately, which has pushed me to go ahead and get some algae eaters. Frankly, the algae has turned my rocks green (not completely yet) over the last 3-4 days. I see no strands or hairs of algae, its just like someone colored the rocks green with a crayon. Will SAE's eat this type of algae? Im also battling hazy, green water here lately (which I know they won't help, just saying). Before you say it - I know SAE's dont cure algae, but I would like to go ahead and get some, because I've been meaning to, and they can't hurt, right?

 

[LittlePuff]

I'd only get one. They will get around a foot long.


Kim

 

[krap101]

foot? i thought they only got 4-5". and the real SAE's are socialy fish

 

[malkore]

SAE's top off at 5-6" at most...not a foot.

I'd say 2-3. I have 5 in my 75gallon, and they eat less algae than my cichlids.

 

[Hrafnkel]

You could get oto cats, maybe. Those don't get as big. And I hear the SAEs get aggressive with age.

 

[krap101]

and if you have some slower fish they might get stressed out. sAE's are constantly moving. mine chased eachother around the tank most of the day. now im not so sure they were real, but i thought they were. they were constantly circling my 29 gallon.

 

[LittlePuff]

Believe me, I saw one 8O
If you want to have otos, you could do way more than two.


Kim

 

[malkore]

SAEs are active swimmers and schoaler's, but they don't get aggressive. The CAE's...now those get aggressive, and give up on algae in favor of other fish's slime coats.
they also get to be 8-9".

 

[Hrafnkel]

Ooh. My mistake, then. I don't guess I realized they were two different fish.

 

[Blazeherd2306]

Its a common mistake. CAE are the ones that get big and aggressive while SAE stay smaller 6" and aren't aggressive. I agree with Malkore 2-3 will be good.

 

[krap101]

actually i hink i got a flying fox.

 

[Hrafnkel]

I've heard that's a common mistake.. And that the flying foxes can spell trouble.